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It has been a season to forget for the St. Louis Blues. The team has struggled this year and is currently sitting sixth in the Central Division with a 23-25 record. This is a far cry from the team's record last season, where they finished third in the division with a 49-22 record.
"With the trade deadline looming, the Blues are in danger of missing the playoffs for only the 10th time in club history." - St. Louis Post-Dispatch
One of the most glaring weaknesses for the St. Louis Blues this season has been goal prevention, as they lead the division with 185 goals against in 51 games.
As a result, the team finds itself on the verge of making several key roster moves, which could play a massive role at the NHL trade deadline. The club will have to make uncomfortable decisions regarding some of their pending unrestricted free agents, including Vladimir Tarasenko, Ryan O'Reilly, and Ivan Barbashev.
"The Kraken have reportedly been linked to Ryan O'Reilly in trade discussions. O'Reilly has scored ten goals, has 6 assists for 16 points through 37 games played this year with the St. Louis Blues (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim) #RyanOreilly #StLouisBlues" - Circling Seattle Sports
While the bulk of the St. Louis roster remains the same as last season, GM Doug Armstrong may decide to blow up the team as the March 3rd deadline approaches.
Unlike teams such as the Chicago Blackhawks and Vancouver Canucks, if the Blues elect to move some of their veterans, it could be considered a retooling instead of a rebuild. The club has already secured two of their young stars, Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas, for long-term deals.
O'Reilly and Tarasenko will undoubtedly be attractive pieces for the contenders looking for an offensive boost in the playoffs. Tarasenko may have the more intriguing upside of the pair. However, his full no-trade clause will give the 31-year-old the ability to decide his fate for the remainder of the season. His $7.5 million salary cap for the year could also make it a difficult move for teams to justify.
"Blues need to make a bunch of trades. Get all of the assets possible. Get into the Bedard race. Trade ROR, Tarasenko, Barbashev, Acciari, Mikkola and Greiss. Maybe more. I wanna see them busy #NHLtradedeadline" - Hot Take Hockey
A look at Ryan O'Reilly's career with the St. Louis Blues
Ryan O'Reilly may be a slightly less attractive addition than Tarasenko. However, the star forward has enjoyed a successful NHL career and would be useful to most teams. Through 324 games with the Blues, O'Reilly has recorded 95 goals and 171 assists, while also helping the St. Louis Blues win the 2018-19 Stanley Cup.
